In the wake of Hurricane Helene, which left over 200 dead and caused property damage exceeding $47 billion, one iconic place that took a heavy hit was Augusta National Golf Club. Florida bore the brunt of the disaster, but the storm’s fury reached deep into Georgia, uprooting trees and leaving the once lush, green Augusta National looking more like a desert. Magnolia Lane, the iconic entrance lined with majestic trees, was nothing more than a pathway of fallen trunks. Augusta’s famous grass? Brown, lifeless, and as devastated as the community around it.
While the course itself will likely bounce back by the time the 2025 Masters rolls around, Augusta National isn’t just focused on the grounds. As Club Chairman Fred Ridley put it, “Our focus and efforts are foremost with our staff, neighbors, and business owners in Augusta.” To put that into action, Augusta National stepped up with a $5 million donation to the Hurricane Helen Community Crisis Fund, partnering with the Community Foundation for the CSRA to drive recovery in Augusta. This support is more than just a symbolic gesture; it’s aimed at helping people who’ve lost homes, loved ones, and livelihoods in the storm’s aftermath.
But is $5 million enough? The debate rages as professional golfers and local celebrities also jump in to help, including PGA Tour pro Kevin Kisner, who’s organizing a benefit concert. Masters champ Jon Rahm even pledged donations for every birdie and eagle he scores in the Andalucia Masters. With these contributions pouring in, there’s hope that life in Augusta might gradually return to normal. And while Augusta National can—and will—restore its legendary greens, the families and businesses rebuilding after Helene face a tougher journey ahead.
